California Dairy Sustainability Summit Returns to Visalia in March 2026
- Dairy Cares
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — September 16, 2025 — The organizing committee announced today that the California Dairy Sustainability Summit will return to the Visalia Convention Center on March 24, 2026. Since 2018, the Summit’s program has recognized California dairies’ world-leading achievements, while promoting the ongoing advancement of planet-smart dairy farm practices. The one-day conference will promote innovative and practical approaches, as California’s dairy farm families work to ensure long-term sustainability.
“As California dairy farmers, there is much to think about as we plan for the future of our operations,” said Gerben Leyendekker, Tulare County dairy farmer and Dairy Cares board member. “The Summit helps to make that information accessible, while encouraging us to learn from one another and trusted experts. It also provides perspective and support as we tackle difficult decisions. We look forward to bringing the dairy community together again for this important, educational, and enjoyable event.”
California’s dairy farms are on track to reach climate neutrality within the next few years, thanks to tremendous public and private investment. To date, the state’s dairies have achieved an annual methane reduction of 5 million metric tons (CO2e). Additionally, dairy farms are making progress in better protecting and conserving water, improving air quality, boosting soil health, creating clean, renewable energy, and further advancing animal care and comfort. The environmental benefits of these investments are significant.
While the primary goal of the Summit is to support dairy farmers in their stewardship efforts, the event also aims to promote and advance dairy’s valuable role in sustainable, healthy, and equitable food systems. The California dairy community remains focused on nourishing the lives of people—both today and for generations to come. Dairy farming is an especially integral part of San Joaquin Valley communities and rural economies.
“As a California dairy farmer, I am proud to produce milk and dairy foods in a sustainable way,” said Preston Fernandes, Tulare County dairy farmer and Dairy Council of California board member. “However, our work goes far beyond protecting the environment. We also invest heavily in efforts to give back to our communities, address food insecurity, and ensure that nutritious milk and dairy foods are accessible and affordable to those who need them most.”
The California Dairy Sustainability Summit is co-hosted by Dairy Cares, California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and the Dairy Council of California.
The Summit takes a holistic and comprehensive approach to sustainability, addressing challenges head-on to improve the long-term economic, environmental, and social sustainability of multi-generation family farms. The Summit welcomes a broad array of participants, including dairy farmers, policymakers, government agencies, industry leaders, tech providers, researchers, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Local, state, and federal incentive programs, along with private partnerships, are recognized for their critical role in supporting innovation. Last year’s event, the first to be held in Visalia, received more than 475 participants, including more than 100 dairy farmers.
“We welcomed an impressive, highly engaged crowd to last year’s Summit,” said Michael Boccadoro, Executive Director of Dairy Cares. “We hope the 2026 event will bring even more of our dairy farm families and partners together in the heart of California’s dairy country for this important conversation.”
The 2026 program will again include dynamic general sessions, interactive breakouts, and an exhibit hall. Attendees will gain in-depth knowledge and exposure to technical solutions, while enjoying valuable networking opportunities. The summit is coordinated in partnership with JCS Marketing, Inc. To learn more, sponsor, exhibit, or to subscribe for updates, visit www.cadairysummit.com.
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· Dairy Cares is a statewide coalition with a mission to ensure the long-term sustainability of California’s dairy farm families through strong environmental stewardship and responsible animal care.
· The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) is an independent non-profit organization that leads and delivers research and science-based programs to support an innovative and sustainable California dairy industry.
· For more 25 years, the award-winning California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) has worked as a partnership between the dairy industry, academia, and others to provide science-based education and third-party certifications, promoting the health of consumers, the environment, and the health and welfare of dairy animals.
· With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the California Milk Advisory Board’s (CMAB) programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products made with sustainably sourced milk from California dairy farm families in the state, across the U.S., and around the world.
· Dairy Council of California is a nutrition organization working together with champions to elevate the health of children and communities through lifelong healthy eating patterns. Focusing on education and advocacy, dairy ag literacy, and collaboration, we advance the health benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of the solution to achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems.
